Rep. Lofgren Introduces Bill to Lower Cost of Repair Parts

Washington, D.C. –Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) recently introduced H.R. 3059, a bill creating an exemption for repair parts in U.S. patent law. This legislation applies only to repair and replacement parts that restore an article’s original appearance. This legislation was introduced to address the rising cost of replacement parts – original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are 35-100% more expensive than non-OEM secondary repair parts.

June 26, 2009

“An unwarranted rise in the cost of repair parts puts a severe dent in the pocket books of many working Americans, who depend on their vehicles to take their kids to school, drive to the doctor, and simply get to work. I believe that our patent system should provide an appropriate incentive for industrial designers to innovate. However, the system must be balanced and take into account the legitimate needs of consumers.”

Groups supporting this bill include: American Insurance Association, Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, Automotive Body Parts Association, Consumer Federation of America, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, Public Citizen, and the Quality Parts Coalition.

Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren is serving her eighth term in Congress representing most of the City of San Jose and Santa Clara County. She is the Chair of the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. She also serves as Chair of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law. She Chairs the House Administration Subcommittee on Elections and serves on the House Homeland Security Committee. Congresswoman Lofgren is Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation consisting of 33 Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives from California.